Character Profiles: Jack Sparrow

"I love those moments. I like to wave at them as they pass by."

Welcome to the first episode of Character Profiles! Every week, I'll go through a particular character in fiction, underlining some of their unique traits, doing a deep dive into what makes them tick.

For our first profile, let's take a closer look at a beloved character, Captain Jack Sparrow.

A few things you must know about the pirate they call Captain Jack Sparrow. Jack is a pirate, through and through. He was born into the life, and in the life he will die (in fact, he's already done that once and they brought him back). He's resilient in ways even the heartiest of men are not. But, more than that, he’s resourceful. He knows what to say and when to say it, has a knack for getting himself out of the stickiest of situations, and an aptitude for drawing people to him. He knows how to sell a story.

Like any true pirate, though he certainly has no qualms when it comes to women, his first love will always be the sea. Foreboding and daring, it calls to him day and night. Beckoning the freedom he so desires. Guys like Jack don't wish to be tied to any port or under anyone's thumb. And, while they will team up for a time, his loyalties lie with himself. Now, that does not mean his heart is completely impenetrable. But lasting friendships are hard to come by in this life. That isn't to say it's entirely his fault (though his choices do play a role). A life of piracy means being careful and prudent about who you trust. “No honor among thieves,” is a cliche for a reason. That being said, he does have a softer core. Softer than he wishes to admit.

While his first love lies with the deep blue, his second is his ship, The Black Pearl. When you spend day in and day out walking the decks, raising and lowering the sails, all the while keeping your eye on that vast horizon, you start to meld in a way. The ship becomes an extension of you. His precious Pearl saw him through many a dark time. And, though it was taken from him more than once, he always came back for her. Probably the most loyal he's ever been to anyone besides himself.

So, there you have it. Captain Jack Sparrow. His adventures take him to some unforgettable places and he wouldn't have it any other way. Argue if you wish that he would rather spend his days laid out on a beach or in a wealthy man's mansion. But the sea will always be there, calling. Even if he chose to go ashore, I have a feeling he wouldn't stay there for long.

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